The Edmonton Oilers have made a notable roster decision ahead of their next matchup, opting to healthy scratch veteran winger Trent Frederic once again while bringing back the energetic Curtis Lazar to the lineup. This move, reported by Tony Brar of Oilers TV, highlights the team's ongoing adjustments as they navigate the 2025-2026 NHL season.
Lineup Shuffle Continues for Oilers
In a strategic shift, the Oilers are reinstating Curtis Lazar, known for his high-energy, buzzsaw style of play that adds grit and tenacity to the forward lines. Lazar, who previously scored a goal against the Nashville Predators in January 2026, brings a physical presence that the coaching staff likely values for upcoming games.
Conversely, Trent Frederic finds himself as a healthy scratch, a situation that has occurred multiple times this season. This decision suggests the Oilers are prioritizing lineup flexibility and performance metrics, possibly due to Frederic's recent contributions or tactical matchups.
Projected Lines and Defensive Pairings
The Oilers' projected lineup for the game features a mix of star power and depth players. On offense, the lines are expected to include:
- RNH - McDavid - Hyman
- Podkolzin - Draisaitl - Kapanen
- Savoie - Samanski - Rosovic
- Mangiapane - Lazar - Janmark
Defensively, the pairings are set as:
- Ekholm - Bouchard
- Nurse - Walman
- Stastney - Emberson
In goal, Jarry and Ingram are listed, with Frederic, Regula, and Pickard noted as scratches. This configuration underscores the team's depth and the competitive nature of securing a spot in the game-day roster.
Implications for Team Dynamics
Bringing back Curtis Lazar could inject energy into the Oilers' bottom-six forwards, potentially boosting their penalty kill or forechecking efforts. Lazar's role as a buzzsaw—a player who disrupts opponents with relentless pressure—aligns with the Oilers' need for balanced scoring and defensive responsibility.
Meanwhile, scratching Frederic may reflect a broader strategy to optimize player rotations or address specific game plans. As the season progresses, such lineup decisions will be crucial for the Oilers in maintaining momentum and adapting to opponent strengths.
This news comes as the Oilers continue to fine-tune their roster, with more updates expected as game time approaches. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team's performance on the ice.
